NAAA Participates in Congressman Graves’ Wingnuts Flying Service in Tarkio

Last month, NAAA joined numerous other general aviation industry and congressional leaders for the biennial Wingnuts Flying Circus based in Tarkio, Missouri. The event is billed as “The Greatest Little Airshow” and has garnered considerable fame because it is organized by Congressman Sam Graves (R-MO), U.S. House of Representatives Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman, a committee that has carried several legislative issues for NAAA. The weekend event included nearly all the Chairman’s Transportation Committee staff and many other aviation interests. 

The event featured an aviation panel hosted by Congressman Graves. The panel included Members of Congress including Representatives David Rouzer (R-NC), Jay Olbernolte (R-CA) and Kevin Hern (R-OK), as well as representatives from the FAA and other aviation organizations including AOPA, GAMA, NATA, NBAA, EAA, ICAS, and others. NAAA lobbyist Glenn LeMunyon of The LeMunyon Group attended on behalf of NAAA and engaged with Chairman Graves throughout the event. The Congressman recognized the vital role of the aerial application industry during the town hall discussion. NAAA appreciates Chairman Graves’ longstanding support and strong advocacy for the agricultural aviation industry.

Although Chairman Graves is retiring from Congress, it was encouraging to discuss the future of this aviation tradition with Congressman Rouzer. Rep. Rouzer expressed interest in continuing the event and is already considering hosting it in his district in southeastern North Carolina. As the leading candidate to serve as the next Chairman of the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee in the 120th Congress, his commitment to preserving this important gathering is an encouraging sign for the aviation community.